Union name Curtin interim manager

The Philadelphia Union on Tuesday sacked manager John Hackworth and appointed assistant coach Jim Curtin as interim team manager.

Curtin, 34, a former Chicago Fire player, was named an MLS All-Star and the Fire's defender of the year in 2004. He helped the squad to two U.S. Open Cup titles in 2003 and 2006, as well as the 2003 MLS Supporters Shield.

Curtin played his final two seasons in the League with Chivas USA before retiring in 2009.

"We are an ambitious club and although we are just in our fifth season we expect to win and be in the top tier of MLS," said Union CEO operating partner Nick Sakiewicz. "We have begun an ambitious and global search for a team manager who will help guide us to our goal of competing to win the MLS Cup."

Curtin's first game as interim team manager will be on June 17 when the Union host the Harrisburg City Islanders in the fifth round of the U.S. Open Cup.